Following inputs that naxals had blocked NH-30, which connects Jagdalpur to Sukma, by felling trees and digging roads near Totapara village, the STF squad was despatched towards the spot from Darbha.

When the team reached near the village covering a distance of 3 kms, a large group of armed naxal opened indiscriminate firing at them, following which security personnel launched retaliatory attack, he said.

After the ensuing gunfight that lasted for around two hours, naxals fled into the thick jungles, he said.

APC Singh, who had sustained grievous bullet injuries, succumbed while being rescued out from the spot, Kabra said, adding, Yadav has been admitted to a hospital in Jagdalpur.

Soon after receiving the alert, a reinforcement team was rushed to the spot and a massive search has been launched to nab the attackers.

It was not immediately known if the Naxals had suffered any casualties, he said.